Unusual and Special Teas
Here is our collection of exotic beverages, cultural specialties, and herbal teas. Everything is here because we thought it was genuinely special enough that the world deserved to know about it. Enjoy!
On this page: Artichoke Tea | Ruby Rosebud Tea | Ginger Tea | Milk Tea (Original, Roasted, Rose, Earl Grey)
Herbal Tea
Natural, caffeine-free herbal teas.
Ruby Rosebud Tea
- caffeine-free
This rare tea is pure miniature rosebuds. The deep color and perfect, shapely buds set this tea apart from other rose teas. It has a light, sweet taste and full rosy aroma. Its beauty makes it an excellent gift, and it looks lovely in its glass jar. Perfect for the lovely lady in your life - lasts longer than a rose bouquet and you can drink it, too!
Artichoke Tea
Delicious, caffeine-free Artichoke tea is made from the whole Artichoke plant, although brands will differ in the percentage of flower, stem and leaf. This traditional herbal tea is a Vietnamese favorite, and has a smooth and naturally sweet flavor, rich mouthfeel, and surprising aroma reminiscent of vanilla or milk chocolate. It requires no sweetener, and it is used as a healthful drink in southeast Asia, where it is believed to promote liver functioning, via a mild detox and slight diuretic effect, and lower LDL cholesterol levels.
We find that which brand of artichoke tea is best is a personal opinion. Our taste-testers generally strongly prefer one or the other, and the number of fans is evenly split. So, since the teas are relatively inexpensive, you may wish to try both of them to find your true favorite.
Artichoke has recently received some media attention for its healthful effects. Recent studies have shown that artichokes have an intense concentration of antioxidants, as well as promoting healthy digestion and cholesterol levels. Dr. Oz has suggested artichoke tea as an after-meals beverage, and we have to agree - if only because its natural sweetness is a great healthy dessert!
Tam Chau Artichoke Tea
This 100% artichoke tea is subtle and has a strong initial rush of flavor, using flower, stem and root of the artichoke plant.
Tam Chau produces two varieties of artichoke tea: Regular and Classic (previously called Super). Both teas are made of artichoke flower, leaf and stem. Tam Chau Regular artichoke tea is a little darker and more "artichoke-y," with a higher percentage of leaf and stem, whereas Tam Chau Classic artichoke tea is a little lighter and sweeter, milder in flavor, with a higher percentage of flowers. 20 teabags per box, wrapped two teabags per clear plastic pouch.
Hung Phat Artichoke Tea
This Artichoke tea is made from artichoke flowers, artichoke root and artichoke leaf and has a very pleasing aroma. In the past we have carried the Hung Phat version of the tea that has either a small amount of Noni berry or Sweetgrass, but our new shipment is 100% artichoke. Very popular in native Vietnam, Hung Phat teas are sold in over 20 countries. 25 teabags wrapped individually in printed paper pouches.
Ginger Tea
100% Ginger Tea (Unsweetened)
Pure, finely shredded ginger brews quickly into a spicy and aromatic cup of caffeine-free tea. It's fine on its own, but we also enjoy adding a little milk and suger, or a touch of molasses, so that it tastes like a ginger cookie!
Each teabag makes about 5 ounces of tea, depending on how strong you like it, and is individually wrapped for freshness.
Ginger is used as a natural remedy for stomach upset, nausea, acid reflux, and motion sickness all over the world, even by the MythBusters. Heck, we'll take whatever excuse we can find to enjoy this tea more often!
Note: The box has one of those boilerplate "consult a doctor if you're pregnant" warnings on it. This is because the company manufactures many different teas, and is no cause for concern. Ginger is actually one of the most commonly recommended herbs for pregnant mothers, since it can help with morning sickness.
Instant Ginger Milk Tea (Unsweetened)
Tastes like a gingersnap in a cup! Rich and spicy and delicious, whether drunk
straight or sweetened - though we like to add a little sweetener to enhance the
decadent ginger-cookie experience. Each individual packet contains only ginger,
instant tea, and non-dairy creamer, and makes 6 to 8 ounces of aromatic and satisfying
milk tea.
Ginger is used as a remedy
for stomach upset and motion sickness all over the world, even by the MythBusters.
Heck, we'll take whatever excuse we can find to enjoy this tea more often!
Allergy note: This tea contains no lactose but is not recommended
for individuals with coconut, soy or milk allergies.
)
Milk Tea
Fine Taiwan-style black tea blended with creamer and sugar. Contains caffeine.
Rose Fruity Milk Tea
This novelty from Taiwan is made from mellow black tea, rose petals and rosehips ("rose fruit").
Each extra-large teabag also contains just the right amount of sugar and non-dairy creamer to create
a delicate and unusual pleasure drink. The taste and aroma is exactly what you'd expect from the
name: fruity, rosy, sweet and creamy. The black tea leaves are mild, yet not overwhelmed by
the other flavors. After a cup of rose milk tea, even the dreariest day looks beautiful.
Allergy note: This tea contains no lactose but the creamer does
contain milk protein (casein).
Original Milk Tea
Original Milk Tea is fine, pure Taiwan black tea leaves with creamer and sugar in perfect proportion,
in a tea bag for ultimate convenience. All you need is hot water for a delicious cup of black tea.
Allergy note: This tea contains no lactose but the creamer does
contain milk protein (casein).
)
Roasted Milk Tea
Roasted milk tea contains fine Taiwan black tea leaves that have been
roasted after the fashion of Japanese Houji-Cha, giving them a smokey depth of flavor that
goes particularly well with dinner. Also contains creamer and sugar in the tea bag, so all you
need is hot water.
Allergy note: This tea contains no lactose but the creamer does
contain milk protein (casein).
)
Earl Gray Milk Tea
Fine Taiwan black tea, prepared English style with natural Bergamot essential oil, perfect for a classic
afternoon tea break. Also contains creamer and sugar in the tea bag, so all you
need is hot water.
Allergy note: This tea contains no lactose but the creamer does
contain milk protein (casein).
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